Ultralight Backpacking Stove Only 3/8oz. (video demo)

Step 3: Stretch the Bottom Section

Use the remaining unopened can to pre-stretch the top and bottom sections.

1. Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly on the bottom of the full can.
2. Carefully insert the bottom of the full can in to the cut bottom from the first can.
3. Using a small piece of plywood or the like, apply firm and even pressure to force one can in to the other.
note: Do this step incrementally; Press the can in a little way and let the pressure build up push it back out. then repeat until you can force the can about half way in to the bottom section.

Comments

[jphphotography]

OK, I see where you're going with it now that I've made a few. A full can is much easier to sand for sure though I only had empty ones laying around so I just used those. I tried the sealed variation first and found it took over 1 min with a tea candle preheater before the jets got going. I then tried this method but didn't bother with the JB weld, this version works so much quicker and more reliably which is a big plus if you're actually intending to use it in the field ;) Thanks for the detailed instructions. FYI Instead of using the razor to cut through the whole thing I just used it to score the can then used scissors to cut it. Its hard to explain but if you cut it along the bottom (under hand?) away from you you get a clean cut, leave 1" extra space until you have the top of the can cut off then spiral in until you see the score indentation and follow it. My description probaby isn't explaining it very well though, I'll have to put up a video sometime. The results aren't perfectly flat but its really close.

[jphphotography]

Maybe I'm just daft but why does the can need to be unopened? From what I can see you're just using the bottoms of 2 cans in the end right? Cool instructable though, I wanna make one.

[thatoneguydavid]

not opening the can keeps it pressurized. The pressure allows much more force to be used while doing the different operations, it also keeps the can very stable and easy to hold on to.

[guy90]

generally, a can is stronger (easier to work with) when its unopened, i've made a few of these and its always a pain when an empty can bends out of shape during the cutting and sanding processes.